Using the astrolabe to determine height and width, 1745.

Description

Engraving showing the use of an astrolabe in trigonometry to calculate height and width. Illustration from 'Mathematischer Atlas' (Mathematical atlas) by Tobias Mayer (1723-1762) published in Augsburg in 1745. Each plate has descriptive text on either side; some have contemporary hand colouring. Mayer was heavily influenced by Christian von Wolff's work, through which he had taught himself mathematics. The plates duplicate Wolff's choice of subjects - arithmetic, geometry, trigonometry, astronomy, geography, chronology, gnomonics, fortification, artillery, civil architecture, optics and mechanics.